When Malachi Nelson finally takes the USC field, he will have much to prove
Malachi Nelson, the new USC quarterback recruit, is in search of motivation. He just discovered another source of it a few weeks ago.
Jackson Arnold, a new Oklahoma quarterback, was awarded the Gatorade national player of the year award Thursday over Arch Manning (both co-finalists).
Nelson didn’t win, but his season was very successful with Los Alamitos (Calif.), completing 67% of his passes for 2,898 yards and 35 touchdowns. He ran for 153 yards, and added two touchdowns.
Jackson Arnold’s Gatorade National Player of the Year victory comes He was named the top Texas player just one week after winning the award.
Jason Witten, a former Dallas Cowboys player, presented the trophy to Arnold of Denton (Texas), Guyer.
Arnold was a Guyer starter and went 28-3 with Guyer. He threw for over 7,000 yards, 67 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Over the past two seasons, Arnold also rushed for 1,580 yard and 36 touchdowns.
He was a senior who threw for 3,476 yards with 33 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 921 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The award also honors Arnold for his work off the field, which includes graduating with a weighted 4.5 grade-point average as well as serving as vice president of the Texas Young Men’s Service League.
“This 2023 class is the ‘year of the quarterback,’ and there are likely five signal-callers rated among the top 15 prospects in the country,” said Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst for 247 Sports.
Malachi Nelson is sure to recall this moment and keep it in the back. He will then use that opportunity to unleash his best at USC.
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